Schizophrenia Affects the way a person acts, thinks, and sees the world Altered perception of reality, for example… May see or hear things that don’t exist Speak in strange or confusing ways Believe that others are trying to harm them Affects about 1% of the world population

Who is Affected  Age of first episode is typically younger among men (about 21 years of age) than women (27 years) In rare cases, schizophrenia can even affect young children and adolescents, although the symptoms are slightly different The earlier it develops, the more severe it is Also tends to be more severe in men

Early Signs Social withdrawal Hostility or suspiciousness Deterioration of personal hygiene Flat, expressionless gaze Inability to cry or express joy Inappropriate laughter or crying Depression Oversleeping or insomnia Odd or irrational statements Forgetful; unable to concentrate Extreme reaction to criticism Strange use of words or way of speaking

Causes Hereditary Environmental Abnormal Brain Structure 10% chance if parent or sibling has it 60% of schizophrenics have no relatives with disorder Environmental Stressful factors (virus exposure during pregnancy or infancy; low oxygen during birth; early parental loss/separation; childhood abuse) Abnormal Brain Structure Deficit in the volume of brain tissue Low activity in the frontal lobe